PMK founder S. Ramadoss said their main intention was to do away with fuel subsidies
Allies comprising of BJP, the PMK and MDMK welcomed the reduction of diesel prices by Rs 3.65 per litre
Chennai: The allies of the BJP, the PMK and MDMK, have opposed the Modi government’s decision to deregulate diesel prices as it will have a cascading effect on prices of essential commodities. However, both the allies welcomed the reduction of diesel prices by Rs 3.65 per litre.Expressing displeasure over deregulation of diesel prices, PMK founder S. Ramadoss said irrespective of the parties ruling in the Centre, their main intention was to do away with fuel subsidies.
In a statement, Dr Ramadoss said the previous Congress government at the Centre deregulated petrol prices and after its attempt to deregulate diesel prices failed, it started increasing its prices from January 2009. The diesel prices were hiked 31 times.By deregulating diesel, he said the Centre has shied away from the responsibility of keeping its price under control. “The timing of reducing diesel rate coincided with the drop in international crude rates or else there would have been a public backlash. This may be a clever decision, but certainly not good for people’s welfare,” he said.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko urged the Centre to give up the decision to deregulate diesel keeping in mind the welfare of the people. “Whenever diesel prices are hiked, it will affect inflation and increases the prices of essential commodities. This in turn will burden the people,” he said.
The MDMK leader also opposed the Centre’s decision to deposit the subsidy amount for the domestic LPG cylinders in consumers bank account for those who do not have Aadhaar number. He expressed the fear that the government might do away with subsidies altogether as recommended by the World Trade Organization and World Bank. He urged the Centre to continue with subsidies for domestic cylinders.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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